Andrew 4

See it if To see a contemporary take on Medea on a white set using video, fan of Byrne (frighteningly terrific) & Canavale, great child actors

Don't see it if Don’t want another Medea or plays about marital discord, obsession, male privilege, blind ambition, revenge. Don’t like video, modern takes

Also Very effective use of video, very contemporary explanation for part of Anna’s (the Medea of this play) anger and madness—believable contemporary reason, which sadly resembles actual contemporary situations. Byrne can act and the videos especially showcase her face and emotions.... Read more Read less

See it if curious about playwright, enjoy verbal farce, actors creating great characters, deliciously complicated plot, exquisite set

Don't see it if farce is not your thing, don't like plays from the 1850's, not in the mood for frivolous yet artful comedy, slightly overdone characters

See it if landmark theater piece, underwood earnest, grier frightening, o'connell revealing, learn about African-Americans in military, impact of rank

Don't see it if not interested in military stories, murder mysteries, treatment of blacks in military, men in barracks, once revealing but now familiar plot

See it if You enjoy Irish drama, stories reflecting coming of age in isolated towns, male-female relationships, love triangles, doomed romances

Don't see it if Not a fan of Irish plays, have trouble with accents, don’t like strictly monologue plays (albeit 3 simultaneously) or dark, bleak subjects

See it if fan of Ken Jennings, interested in this Gospel, are a Christian, enjoy 1-person shows, have seen performances of other Gospels (ie. Mark)

Don't see it if Not a Christian or interested in the Gospels, don't enjoy 1-person shows, uncomfortable around religion, not familiar with John

See it if you like clever, unusual one act plays about self-esteem, especially among young African American men, rapid fire dialogue, identity issues

Don't see it if you don't like nonlinear works set in non-specific locales, contemporary and blunt issues among African American men, nudity, crude language

See it if you enjoy creative clowning, physical humor, dazzling use of "snow," and lots of children laughing & screaming, visual surprises and delight

Don't see it if you don't like shows without plots, visual humor, simple sight jokes, clowns walking over seats, water sprays & frightening blizzard

See it if enjoy the work of Edouard Louis, like gay coming of age stories, like use of video & film, youthful exuberant performances, escaping

Don't see it if don't like gay content, tales of bullying and loneliness, feels aimed at a younger (YA) audience, negative family stories

See it if fan of Kushner & curious abut his first play, interest in Germany of '30's, follow development of Kushner style, see updates and rewrites

Don't see it if don't like playwrights inserting themselves into play, don't like HItler parallels or repetition of situation, frustrating main character

See it if you've never seen a production, fan of Fornes, experience the complexity of moving audience through 4 sets, like feminist theater

Don't see it if don't like idea of having to move several times & maybe sit on floor cushions, want a more linear plot, not a fan of feminist plays,

See it if you're a fan of Edouard Louis, like plays about gay men, interested in recovery after a horrible trauma & in modern German theater,

Don't see it if Upset by sexual trauma, male nudity, gay issues, not a fan of supertitles or use of video in plays, only like plays in English

See it if fan of Parker or Rapp, enjoy easy to follow but intriguing stories, plays about creative minds & troubled people, subtle unexpected twists

Don't see it if don't like to listen in a quiet, dark setting, don't like brief 2-actor plays with reticent characters, or want to think right at the end

See it if fan of Tracy Letts, for a great performance by Ian Banford, incisive portrait of a modern straight selfish uber-male out-of-touch with women

Don't see it if not interested in a sharp portrait of an alienating, frustrating obnoxious character or plays that go on a bit too long

See it if if you're a fan of Fierstein or Bella Abzug, enjoy 1-person shows, want to get some 60's-70's NY history, curious how Harvey plays a woman

Don't see it if you don't like one person plays, not interested in politics or Bella Abzug specifically, don't like males in female roles

See it if fan of previous editions, curious about how it tackles more recent shows, enjoy great satire of shows & personalities, love Broadway

Don't see it if satire is not your thing, you haven't enjoyed Broadway musicals for years, you take Broadway shows too seriously, don't like laughting

See it if fan of Smith's work, curious about a male performing it, like personal histories of significant events, racism and anti-semitism

Don't see it if you don't like one person, intermissionless plays, not interested in Crown Heights story or serious subjects that continue to resonate

See it if Hear a new composer in a sung-through story, mix of contemporary genres, tales of injustice, resonant voice of Josh Henry,

Don't see it if Don’t like bleak, relentless plot of innocent black man in justice system, not a fan of dark musicals, constrained dancing, or murder

See it if Fan of Brian Friel & Irish drama, curious about story of blind person regaining sight, three fine performances

Don't see it if Consists of 3 overlapping monologues with no interaction, little stage movement, downer psychological drama

See it if you want a 90+minute Shakespeare, enjoy doubling & tripling of actors without regard to gender, minimal scenery, fan of Corey Stoll

Don't see it if you expect close adherence to text, want no confusion to what role an actor is playing at any one time, some great speeches minimized

Also Corey Stoll is indeed quite marvelous in the title role with Nadia Bowers, Antonio Michael Woodard and Raffi Barsoumian standing out in particular. The plot is condensed, squeezed together, and some great scenes discarded (the porter, for example), and it is often initially difficult to figure which of their multiple characters a specific actor is playing as the usual cues of costumes or calling someone by name are often not used. For example, the entire cast play the three witches which is off-putting until you get used to it. But where else would Mary Beth Piel get the chance to play Duncan and she is splendid!! For someone new to the play, this may not be the best version to be introduced to, but the cast generally does speak it well.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of Raul Esparza, enjoy "backstage" stories about restaurant kitchens, witty banter with very real stakes

Don't see it if don't like comedies set in kitchens or places of business, egotistical characters, the smell of salmon cooking, one act plays

Also Funny, enjoyable, the recreation of an actual restaurant kitchen is amazing to the smallest detail and the main characters actually cook on stage throughout. Fine performance by Esparza, with great assistance from the rest of the cast, especially Krysta Rodrguez and W. Tre Davis.... Read more Read less

See it if you like Venice, like a story encompassing 3 time periods from early Christians to Marco Polo to modern gays, enjoy a good story

Don't see it if you expect elaborate scenery, lighting & costumes, don't like gay subplots or religious characters, have no patience for pasted on beards

See it if like true stories: here a transcript of an actual FBI interview, want to know more about Reality Winner & FBI's manipulative questioning

Don't see it if you want an evening of character development & closure, easily aggravated by FBI mis-behavior, care for pets, don't care about Ms. Winner

See it if you like stories about road trips, women friends bonding, mourning together, characters in recovery emerging into late adulthood,

Don't see it if can't relate to women in recovery & sharing intimate details, stories about mourning a mentor, making humor from pain of childbirth

See it if You follow Zeller’s work, like Atkins & Pryce, enjoy time-jumping, dream-like & ethereal plots, appreciate being left with mystery

Don't see it if You expect linear straight-forward plots, don’t enjoy more questions than answers, need complete explanations, don’t like being perplexed

See it if you're a fan of Hwang or Tesori, like subversive, original musicals & references to classic show tunes, like shows inspired by real life

Don't see it if Don't like satire, not a fan of the classic show tune style, don't want to see HIllary C. depicted, not into topics like dominance of Chines

See it if you enjoy modern Irish drama, two-character plays, stories about strangers connecting, folk with esteem issues & guilt, people who feel real

Don't see it if don't like new plays, Irish drama, two-handers, talk about abortion and abuse, 80-minute one acters, Irish accents & slang

See it if liked the film & 80's Brit-pop, family struggle stories, youthful energy, actors on instruments, choreography as natural to plot, love story

Don't see it if don't like loud rock music played live, predictable plot, typical family saga, to convenient happy endings, limited character development

See it if Fan of Ayckbourn, enjoy this play, want to see how a real British company handles it, enjoy acerbic comedy

Don't see it if You expect elaborate sets & lighting, don’t like imported shows, have trouble within men, not a fan of slapstick or pun-like humor

Also Not a lot new here, but always learn something as part of this....

See it if chance to see rare production staged in huge space, interested in von Horvath & issues of guilt & blame, to see the power of the mob,

Don't see it if not a fan of loud noises, huge sets being slowly dragged across theater, people lost among the sets, don't like stories of infidelity, guilt

See it if you're a fan of Maury Yeston's music, like to hear it out of context from the original musical to see if they have staying power (they do!)

Don't see it if you don't know Maury Yeston or weren't a fan of shows like Titanic, Grand Hotel, Nine, and the Yeston version of Phantom, don't like revues

Also At the production I saw (during previews), one of the actors had lost his voice and since there are no understudies, the actors, director and composer himself reworked the show which deep-sixed all numbers (solo or ensemble) in which this actor appeared), but there were still enough numbers with the remaining performers, and as a bonus for a paying audience, the composer himself, Maury Yeston, served as an informal master of ceremonies and shared some of his stories and recollections from his experience in composing the various shows or related experiences at award shows, etc. It really did add to the experience--I did not feel shortchanged at all--and it was great to spend some time hearing from Maury Yeston.... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy plays with large casts, slice of life stories about staff & residents of a female halfway house, reality with humor & warmth

Don't see it if don't enjoy 3+hour plays, realistic portrayals of damaged humans, vivid depictions of sex & mental illness, broken social service system

See it if you're a fan of Len Cariou or Bierko, enjoy light comedies that deal with a serious contemporary issue, like non-challenging, safe works

Don't see it if you expect deep exploration of father/son issues or for deep secrets revealed, want dramatic confrontations and not too-easy solutions

Also You do sorta believe that Cariou and Bierko are father and son who have not seen each other for a while, but still have a relationship based on their younger years together, a bit hard to believe that Harry, the father, was unaware that his son called his mother each week and spoke to his sister each day, even from far away California, and therefore knew exactly what was going on. The set was quite detailed and realistic, which did add to the enjoyment of the play... Read more Read less

See it if you follow Hnath's growth as playwright, interest in paranormal & ESP, enjoy a good ghost story which may be something else

Don't see it if don't like ghost stories or sudden blackouts, expect a serious look at contact with other side, too many digressions. unreliable narrator

See it if you're a fan of Horton Foote & Michael Wilson's interpretation, curious as to how play won Pulitzer, like family sagas with secrets & denial

Don't see it if don't like slow-moving, obvious plot, you find Kirstein Nielsen annoying (she does fine), odd set (what with the doors?),or gay subtext

See it if you like Miller and this play, curious about Bedlam's approach, slightly immersive version set in Colonial times, actors play multiple parts

Don't see it if you feel the play has been overdone, uncomfortable being in midst of action, don't like a slightly compact cast, expect an epic version

See it if You’re a fan of Will Eno, you enjoy unusual, challenging work, you like mini-scenes whose connection is quite ethereal but offers insight

Don't see it if You are easily confused or want a logical, forward moving narrative, don’t like subtle themes of life, death & connection or having to think

See it if you want know about Curie's later life, enjoy the two actors, like scientific references, enjoy historical plays, easy to follow stories

Don't see it if not interested in history, Marie Curie or friendships between women, don't like static 2-character plays, want to learn about Pierre

See it if you're a fan of Byrne or Talking Heads, enjoy constant motion of musicians dancing while playing, creative choreography, edgy music

Don't see it if not a fan of Byrne & his music, want a plot not subtle political commentary, don't like talk of peace and hope, not a fan of loud percussion

See it if To see a clear, intense Shakespeare with a riveting leading performance, also focuses on the women in Richard's life, cynical, relevant

Don't see it if Not a fan of Shakespeare or can't follow Shakespeare's language, some violent images, want a modern dress Shakespeare

Also Aaron Monaghan gives a dazzling, witty, and unbelievably physical performance. This is Shakespeare done relatively straightforward but with some exciting but not overblown stage images, gives equal credence to the four women in Richard's life, features the phenomenal Marie Mullen as Margaret and the Lord Mayor of London (one of the few instances of cross-gender casting), Irish cast does
English accents quite well, does not feel like 2-1/2 hours... Read more Read less

See it if Fiddler is 1 of your favorites & want to experience it in Yiddish, curious how songs translate, encounter a new staging

Don't see it if You don't like Fiddler, you don't like reading supertitles, not a fan of musicals, don't like listening to foreign languages

Also This is a wonderful, fully staged show with a sublime orchestra and excellent performers including Stephen Skybell and Jackie Hoffman... Read more Read less

See it if Fan of Nelson, enjoy realistic, intimate family stories that take place in real time on actual week, genuine heartfelt issues, believable

Don't see it if Want a lot to happen in plays, don’t enjoy contemporary slice-of-life portraits of middle class life, trouble hearing soft-spoken dialogue

See it if You’re a fan of the cast, interested in new 80-minute plays, enjoy stories about class & age assumptions, mysteries about missing girl

Don't see it if Can’t deal with stories about missing 5-year old girl, suspicious teenager, rough bullying & violence, people behaving stupidly,

See it if you can do both parts, enjoy stories re: gay life in NY, relationships, break-ups, the toll of AIDS. Like creative staging & clever writing

Don't see it if each part is 3-1/4 hours long, not a fan of gay plays & characters, don't want to recall AIDS era, shows overt sexual and addictive behavior

Also Spellbinding, touching, aggravating, some fine young actors do an amazing job in a marathon performance, fleet staging with some visual surprises and great curtain moments, lovely cameo by Lois Smith adds another level to the story, also explores so-called "gay Republicans" peripherally, what do the wealthy owe those less fortunate if anything, is knowing gay history of any relevance to today's gay men? Is there a legacy from the AIDS crisis?... Read more Read less

See it if curious about young conservative, devout Catholics & how they maneuver in the world, enjoy political discussion and funny, serious behavior

Don't see it if don't want to spend time with young conservatives, have a hard time with unpleasant characters, uncomfortable with religious discussions

Also This play is well worth seeing. It is funny, often hilarious, but also aggravating and exasperating due to the behavior of some characters who have not been prepared to face a world that doesn't appreciate religious celebration and frequently looks down on people who do. A good glimpse at how religion can be used as a place to hide, to disengage and to blame for one's own issues, some of which indeed have been caused by growing up in a religious environment. There is a dark, foreboding element present throughout the play, a series of loud, devastating noises and a loud, well-telegraphed gunshot at the top of the show, which add to this underlying feeling, as does the darkness of the set, since it does take place late at night.... Read more Read less

See it if you like American history, want to know more about LBJ or follow up "All the Way," fan of Brian Cox, recall that period or lived through it

Don't see it if you don't like hectic history, characters not given chance to develop, too many events off stage, don't care about that time period

See it if want to see trendy play, see how one playwright depicts racial issues in unexpected way, learn what it means to want to be listened to

Don't see it if don't like depictions of sex & nudity, sex games that may involve domination or abuse, don't like humorous psychobabble, inner reflection

See it if you like Irish drama & McPherson, stories about fathers & daughters, glimpses of a tragic difficult life, satisfying end to make you think

Don't see it if have difficulty with Irish accents, don't like stories dealing with alcoholics or attempts at father/daughter reconciling, plays set at Xmas

See it if you're a Cole Porter fan & curious about this show, you enjoy the York's minimal Mufti stagings, you want to see what can be done in 5 days

Don't see it if you expect a large, fully-staged show or more modern plotting, want elaborate dancing, more than a 3-man combo or the feel of the original

Also This musical dates from 1929 and is noted historically for being Cole Porter's first big hit, after toiling in the business for over 10 years--he genuinely needed this hit and got it. It had over 100 people in the cast, many playing the staff of a hotel in Paris. This is a pared down, adequate adaptation that reflects the the comedy and punch lines of the period but does contain some splendid and familiar Porter songs. But these are early Porter and rarely rise to the wit, wryness and melody of his later scores. So this production is quite different from the original, with only 12 people in the cast and 3 musicians, and as the Mufti overall title indicates, the barest suggestions of costumes (some drawn from the York's collection) and sets, thanks to some effective projections. This adaptation tightens the material, but does leave out some key plot points and a few numbers from the original. But what can be accomplished with 5 days of rehearsal is astonishing... Read more Read less

See it if you'd like to see Macbeth as a contemporary musical (circa'75), miss the days of hippies & slackers, catch a composer's 2nd show & a comedy

Don't see it if worried about getting a modern Macbeth, not a fan of chamber shows, or fond of mid-west twang, don't like main characters as singing killers

See it if You like Williams & never saw this play, fan of Tomei who does a good job-as she is supposed to be temperamental, like suggestive sets

Don't see it if Don’t like “light” Williams plays, want more solid drama, Unhappy with too much Italian dialogue or contradicting costumes, not a Tomei fan

Also If the neighborhood women are mocking Serafina because she’s hiding and depressed in her grief, then why are they wearing black if grief and widowhood over lengthy periods of time is to be mocked and criticized? Doesn’t that make them more hypocritical than the object of their bullying?... Read more Read less